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Bleacher Report - The open source sports networken-us30John Isner vs. Marcos Baghdatis: Score and Reaction from 2015 BB&T Atlanta OpenMatt Fitzgerald<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">John Isner's serve is one of the most lethal weapons in men's tennis, and the towering American parlayed that strength into his first singles title of 2015 on Sunday against <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/marcos-baghdatis">Marcos Baghdatis</a> at the BB&amp;T Atlanta Open.</p>
<p>Isner lost only one point on serve in the opening set and didn't let Baghdatis mount any momentum amid a 6-3, 6-3 win at Atlantic Station. This marks Isner's third straight title in Atlanta, where he has plenty of local support as a former college star at Georgia.</p>
<p>A primary reason Isner was so dominant stemmed from Baghdatis' difficulties on his own serve. Baghdatis hit only 34 percent of first serves in play during the first set, so he did well to get three games off Isner under the circumstances.</p>
<p>Erik Gudris of TennisNow logged the unfortunate development Baghdatis endured on set point in his bid to keep the opening frame alive:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It's not as though the hobbled Baghdatis didn't do his best while battling evident physical pain. On serve at 2-1 and struggling to hold, Baghdatis was pushed to deuce but held, highlighted by a 25-shot rally that he ended with a drop-shot winner.</p>
<p>Once Isner broke to go up 4-3 on serve in the second, though, the deficit was too much for Baghdatis to overcome. The preeminent champion in Atlanta held thereafter and broke Baghdatis again to close the match out&mdash;and lost only two points on serve in the final set.</p>
<p><em>Tennis World</em>'s Andrew Burton weighed in on the lopsided final:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Prior to Sunday's finale, Isner spoke about his prior success at the event.</p>
<p>"Seven years ago, when I heard this tournament was going to come to Atlanta, I figured it was going to be a good thing for me," said Isner, per the <em>Atlanta Journal-Constitution</em>'s&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/pro-sports/isner-will-play-for-third-bbt-atlanta-open-title/nnBXF/">Doug Roberson</a>. "But not this good."</p>
<p>The U.S. Open Series' official Twitter account logged what Isner said following Sunday's victory:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Isner has won 10 career ATP singles titles now, but to truly break through and contend more often among the game's elite, he'll have to figure out how to harness his form from Atlanta and translate it to bigger tournaments.</p>
<p>Rene Denfeld of The Tennis Island is skeptical of Isner's ability to thrive moving forward:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>With the U.S. Open looming later this month, stateside fans have to be excited about Isner's latest triumph. His run to the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows in 2011 was his best Grand Slam performance, and the 6'10" American is always a dark-horse threat thanks to his booming serve.</p>
<p>This was the first singles final for Baghdatis since 2011, and the pressure may have been an underlying factor that caused his game to be off. With Isner serving at a proficient rate to start, there was little Baghdatis could do without his best stuff.</p>
<p>Baghdatis nevertheless has to be pleased with his run in Atlanta. He has had a history of <a href="http://www.tennis.com/pro-game/2014/06/conflicting-career-marcos-baghdatis/51790/#.Vb54ireUHR0">injuries</a> and was ranked as high as No. 8 in the world approximately nine years ago.</p>
<p>Perhaps this is the shot of momentum Baghdatis needs to have a career renaissance of sorts, though he must make sure he's healthy enough before entering his next tournament. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:42:20 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537689-john-isner-vs-marcos-baghdatis-score-and-reaction-from-2015-bbt-atlanta-open
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537689-john-isner-vs-marcos-baghdatis-score-and-reaction-from-2015-bbt-atlanta-openhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537689-john-isner-vs-marcos-baghdatis-score-and-reaction-from-2015-bbt-atlanta-openTennisBreaking NewsBrad Keselowski Runs into Crew Members During Pit Stop at Windows 10 400Kyle Newport<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">There was a scary moment during the&nbsp;Windows 10 400 at Pocono on Sunday when Brad Keselowski ran into a couple of crew members as he came in a little too hot during a pit stop.</p><p class="ui-droppable">One member of the team got clipped while trying to jump out of the way, and another ended up on the hood of the No. 2 car.&nbsp;</p><p class="ui-droppable">Thankfully, the crew members appeared to be fine, per Fox Sports NASCAR:</p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable"><br></p><p class="ui-droppable">A tire got away from one of the crew members when the car hit him, and it wound up bouncing down pit road. As a result, Keselowski was assessed a penalty for an uncontrollable tire.</p><p class="ui-droppable">[<a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/627921694254981120" target="_blank">NASCAR</a>]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:22:36 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537707-brad-keselowski-runs-into-crew-members-during-pit-stop-at-windows-10-400
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537707-brad-keselowski-runs-into-crew-members-during-pit-stop-at-windows-10-400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537707-brad-keselowski-runs-into-crew-members-during-pit-stop-at-windows-10-400MotorsportsNASCARBreaking NewsMichael Johnson Injury: Updates on Bengals DE's Knee and ReturnTyler Conway<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/cincinnati-bengals">Cincinnati Bengals</a> defensive end Michael Johnson was carted off Sunday's training camp practice with an apparent knee injury.</p>
<p>Continue for updates.</p>
<hr><h2>Bengals Hope for Strain in Johnson's Knee</h2>
<h4>Sunday, Aug. 2</h4>
<p>Richard Skinner provided a photo of Johnson being taken away on a cart: &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Johnson, 28, went down while going through a running drill. <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/627929074204213248" target="_blank">Geoff Hobson</a> of the Bengals' official website reported team doctors checked him for an ACL tear before taking him off the field and sending him for an MRI. <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/627929464429621248">Hobson</a> noted Johnson was able to put weight on his leg, so that's at least an encouraging sign regarding structural damage. Hobson&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/627929611343532032" target="_blank">noted</a> that "the hope is it is a strain."&nbsp;</p>
<p>The former Georgia Tech star returned to the Bengals this offseason after an aborted one-year stop with the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers">Buccaneers</a> in Tampa Bay. He made 27 tackles and four sacks, going down as one of the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10588687/michael-johnson-tampa-bay-buccaneers-agree-five-year-contract-worth-4375-million">worst signings</a> of the 2014 season. The Bengals re-signed Johnson after Tampa released him in March. He is expected to start at the right defensive end side opposite of Carlos Dunlap.</p>
<p>Second-year defensive end Will Clarke took Johnson's place in drills, per <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoffHobsonCin/status/627931605374365696">Hobson</a>.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>Follow Tyler Conway (<a href="https://twitter.com/tylerconway22">@tylerconway22</a>) on Twitter.</em></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:16:43 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537699-michael-johnson-injury-updates-on-bengals-des-knee-and-return
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537699-michael-johnson-injury-updates-on-bengals-des-knee-and-returnhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537699-michael-johnson-injury-updates-on-bengals-des-knee-and-returnFootballNFLAFC NorthCincinnati BengalsBreaking NewsLolo Jones Says She Can Last a Minute in the Octagon with Ronda RouseyKyle Newport<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Ronda Rousey is dominating every UFC fighter she faces, with her most recent fights ending before anybody had a chance to blink.</p>
<p>Rousey's latest fight, against Bethe Correia at UFC 190 on Saturday night, lasted a grand total of 34 seconds. As ESPN's Darren Rovell noted, the bantamweight champion's last four fights have been quick:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Well, even though professional fighters are unable to do so, Olympic hurdler Lolo Jones believes her skills would allow her to stay in the Octagon for an entire minute against Rousey:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Jones, one of the top sprinters in the world, is convinced that her speed alone would be enough to escape Rousey's wrath for 60 seconds.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Does Jones have a point, or is she full of it?</p>
<p>[<a href="https://twitter.com/lolojones/status/627715199324172292">Lolo Jones</a>]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 16:01:11 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537691-lolo-jones-says-she-can-last-a-minute-in-the-octagon-with-ronda-rousey
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537691-lolo-jones-says-she-can-last-a-minute-in-the-octagon-with-ronda-rouseyhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537691-lolo-jones-says-she-can-last-a-minute-in-the-octagon-with-ronda-rouseyBreaking NewsBleacher BuzzTiger Woods at Quicken Loans National 2015: Sunday Leaderboard Score, ReactionTyler Conway<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The positives for Tigers Woods in 2015 have been few and far between. String together a couple of good drives, maybe sink a few putts and, for the love of all things holy, make it to the weekend. In that regard, the 2015 Quicken Loans National was already a success before Sunday's final round.</p>
<p>To finish the tournament, Woods kept the good feelings rolling, shooting a three-under 68 and capping off one of his best all-around performances of the season. The former world No. 1 shot six birdies against three bogeys, including five birdies in his first 10 holes. He went into the clubhouse in a tie for 22nd, one stroke away from clinching his first top-20 finish since April's Masters Tournament.</p>
<p>ESPN Stats &amp; Info provided some context:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It was a week of largely encouraging signs for Woods, who has been cut four times in 10 events this year, including a dispiriting performance at last month's Open Championship. He went into the weekend tied for fifth place after going 68-66 in the first two rounds, marking the first time he'd been in the top five after Friday since 2013.</p>
<p>A third-round 74 ruined his chance at getting his first win of 2015, but his ability to avoid a collapse bodes well for the remainder of his season.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Woods, teeing off mid-morning well before the leaders, looked like a potential top-10 finisher early in his round. He knocked down an 11-foot birdie on the par-four third, then followed it up with additional under-par scores on No. 4 and No. 5.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Thank God my short game is back," Woods said Saturday, per <a href="http://espn.go.com/golf/story/_/id/13360641/tiger-woods-falls-back-strong-start-quicken-loans-national">Bob Harig</a> of ESPN.com. "Now I just need to get the ball-striking in there a little bit better and consistent. It's the best I've felt with the putter and I rolled it so pure, but I never could get the ball on the green fast enough."</p>
<p>Woods' hot putter continued on No. 9, as he hit a lengthy 42-foot shot for birdie that helped him make the turn at 32. He got to his low point of the tournament at 10 under with another birdie on No. 10, hitting a brilliant tee shot and solid approach before finishing up from about nine feet. At that point, Woods was closing in on the leaderboard and seemingly putting together the round many hoped he would Saturday.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>But that was about point when things began falling apart.</p>
<p>A frustrating three-putt on No. 11, including a miss from three feet out, gave Woods his first bogey of the afternoon. Another bogey came on the next hole, though the situation could have been far worse. After a wild tee shot went way right and into a hazard, causing him to drop a shot, Woods chose to go all-in with his five wood from deep rough rather than safely punching the shot out. The result was a marvelous approach that landed on the greenside fringe.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>While Woods' driving issues cost him another shot at the par-five 14th, his round largely calmed down from there. He parred Nos. 15 and 16 before getting one of his strokes back on the 17th, hitting a careful drive into a solid approach before finishing from eight feet out. He had an additional chance to close out his round with a birdie on No. 18, but two-putted from 13 feet to go into the clubhouse at 68.</p>
<p>In all, Woods' two weekend rounds cancel each other out. The letdown of Saturday was replaced by a solid 18 on Sunday, which was undone <span>only</span>&nbsp;a bit by a sorry four-hole stretch on the back nine. With the year's final major coming up Aug. 13 at Whistling Straits, Woods is playing the best golf he has the entire season. The last two PGA Championships at the Wisconsin course saw him finish 28th (2010) and 24th (2004).</p>
<p>With any luck, the Quicken Loans National will be the prelude to improving on those outcomes. &nbsp;</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:42:54 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537572-tiger-woods-at-quicken-loans-national-2015-sunday-leaderboard-score-reaction
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537572-tiger-woods-at-quicken-loans-national-2015-sunday-leaderboard-score-reactionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537572-tiger-woods-at-quicken-loans-national-2015-sunday-leaderboard-score-reactionGolfTiger WoodsGame RecapMLB Rumors: Latest Reports Following 2015 Trade DeadlineMatt Fitzgerald<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The 2015 <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/mlb">MLB</a> trade deadline has passed, but there are still rumors circulating around baseball worthy of attention and analysis.</p>
<p>Whether it's a potential new addition for a playoff contender, justification for another club being rather quiet at the deadline or the future of a departing team president, a variety of buzz exists at present.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Read on for the specifics surrounding those respective situations, as the MLB regular season enters the final stretch.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Cubs Reportedly Mulling Chase Utley</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>According to the&nbsp;<em>Chicago Sun-Times</em>'&nbsp;<a href="http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/844213/cubs-considering-chase-utley">Gordon <span class="spellcheck">Wittenmyer</span></a>, Chicago is considering adding second baseman Chase Utley prior to the waiver deadline if the Philadelphia Phillies place the veteran on waivers.</p>
<p>Utley <a href="https://twitter.com/IronPigs/status/627826478189654017">started a rehab assignment</a> with Triple-A <span class="spellcheck">Lehigh</span> Valley on Sunday, working his way back into position to play after dealing with nagging right ankle inflammation that landed him on the <a href="http://www.csnphilly.com/baseball-philadelphia-phillies/chase-utley-goes-dl-ankle-injury-ryne-sandberg-surprised-news">disabled list</a>.</p>
<p>Cubs manager Joe <span class="spellcheck">Maddon</span> doesn't believe the club will do anything drastic the rest of the way.</p>
<p>"Of course it can [happen], but I don't expect anything," said <span class="spellcheck">Maddon</span>, per <span class="spellcheck">Wittenmyer</span>. "We got the pitchers we were looking for. Of course they can do something, but conversationally this is pretty much what we have talked about."</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>If Utley plays well in his stint with <span class="spellcheck">Lehigh</span> Valley, perhaps his trade value can increase. The Phillies would do well to part with the 36-year-old considering they're the worst team in baseball right now, and Utley is going to eat up a lot of the payroll through 2018.</p>
<p>Chicago has a rich pool of young prospects that is paying huge dividends in 2015, so the rebuilding Phillies may be able to swing a deal with an eye toward the future. As for what this potential trade would mean for the Cubs, Utley is a solid depth option, but he'll need to prove he can still play at a high level.</p>
<p>With a meager .179 batting average in 65 games this season, Utley may serve more a mentor to second baseman Addison Russell, third baseman Kris Bryant and the other Chicago youngsters. It's in Utley's hands, since he has a no-trade clause he can waive.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Boston Didn't Pursue <span class="spellcheck">Aroldis</span> Chapman</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The Red Sox are like the Phillies in that they're languishing in last place in their division. Standing pat at the deadline didn't inspire much optimism for MLB fans in Boston, and one of the big names the Red Sox reportedly didn't go after is <span class="spellcheck">Aroldis</span> Chapman.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">WEEI</span>.com's <a href="http://www.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/john-tomase/2015/07/31/trade-deadline-takeaways-thinking-big-aroldis-">John <span class="spellcheck">Tomase</span></a> reports Chapman wasn't a serious consideration for Boston, who could have potentially plugged the Cincinnati Reds closer into the starting rotation instead as a possible future ace.</p>
<p>Converting Chapman into a starter wasn't something the Red Sox were interested in. It may be too late for the 27-year-old to change gears at this point, something ESPN's Chad Dotson laments:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Chapman was once extended a lucrative <a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4741805">contract offer</a> by the Red Sox when he was first entering the big leagues in 2009. It would have been quite a story to see Chapman ultimately head to <span class="spellcheck">Beantown</span> and pitch regularly at <span class="spellcheck">Fenway</span> Park with his effortless triple-digits fastball.</p>
<p>The tools are there for Chapman to start, but it'd be tough for him to summon the stamina required to take on such a drastic role change.</p>
<p>With an astonishing career clip of 15.41 strikeouts per nine innings and 3.49 Ks to every walk (h/t <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=10233&amp;position=P"><span class="spellcheck">FanGraphs</span></a>), Chapman is a tantalizing talent who could be a raging success as a starter with anything even close to those projections.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Departing Red Sox President to Join New Club?</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Bleacher Report's <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMillerBbl/status/627631705227067392">Scott Miller</a> reports Boston Red Sox CEO and president Larry <span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> will take some time away from the game before "maybe" making one final run with a different team.</p>
<p><a href="http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/13362057/larry-lucchino-boston-red-sox-president-ceo">Gordon <span class="spellcheck">Edes</span></a> of ESPN and multiple other reports have indicated <span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> is going to step down at the end of the year. The Red Sox have certainly fallen on hard times of late, in line for a second straight year of missing the playoffs, not long removed from winning the 2013 World Series.</p>
<p>Sources told <span class="spellcheck">Edes</span> that Boston isn't forcing <span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> out of his role due to the club's poor results. It's simply a parting of ways that happens to coincide with a down time for the storied franchise.</p>
<p>Gerry Callahan of the <em>Boston Herald</em> praised <span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> for the way he ran the show from the time he started in 2002:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>As for what's next in such a vital leadership role in the Red Sox organization, <span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> has made his hopes for the future well known, per <span class="spellcheck">Edes</span>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>I believe the end of this year is a good time for this change...We would have preferred to announce all of our transition plans at once, including my new role, but I can tell you we all feel strongly that Sam Kennedy, who has been with me for 20 years, should be the next President of the Boston Red Sox.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> oversaw the development of a club that allowed the Red Sox to break their lengthy World Series drought in 2004&mdash;and delivered two additional Commissioner's Trophies during his tenure. His place in Boston lore is secure, and based on the team's current trajectory, now seems like an appropriate time to walk away.</p>
<p>Given his experience as president in Baltimore and San Diego before his time with the Red Sox, <span class="spellcheck">Lucchino</span> should have no problem seeking a job when he's ready. But he could also walk away for good and find a place in Cooperstown before long.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:30:30 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537582-mlb-rumors-latest-reports-following-2015-trade-deadline
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537582-mlb-rumors-latest-reports-following-2015-trade-deadlinehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537582-mlb-rumors-latest-reports-following-2015-trade-deadlineMLBMLB RumorsOpinionAll the Goals from Fiorentina vs. Barcelona in the International Champions CupSean Fay<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">The International Champions Cup moved to Europe on Sunday as <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/fiorentina"><span class="spellcheck">Fiorentina</span></a> played host to European champions Barcelona.</p><p class="ui-droppable"><span class="spellcheck">Barca</span> went into the game as favourites, but <span class="spellcheck"><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/fiorentina">Fiorentina</a></span> took a shock lead after only four minutes as&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck">Fede</span> <span class="spellcheck">Bernardeschi</span> headed home the opener.</p><p class="ui-droppable"><span class="spellcheck">Bernardeschi</span> was not done there, either. He got his second in the 12th minute, with Joaquin again the provider.&nbsp;</p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">However, Barcelona got back into the game when&nbsp;<a href="http://bleacherreport.com/luis-suarez">Luis Suarez</a> latched onto a superb volleyed pass by Ivan <span class="spellcheck">Rakitic</span>.</p><p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">[Twitter, Vine]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:15:36 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537674-all-the-goals-from-fiorentina-vs-barcelona-in-the-international-champions-cup
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537674-all-the-goals-from-fiorentina-vs-barcelona-in-the-international-champions-cuphttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537674-all-the-goals-from-fiorentina-vs-barcelona-in-the-international-champions-cupSoccerWorld FootballLa LigaFC BarcelonaBreaking NewsAram MuradyanArtur DavtyanLevon PachajyanSerge DebléMadden NFL 16 Player Ratings: Top 5 Punters RevealedMatt Fitzgerald<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Punters aren't the most appreciated players in the NFL, but there's a scarcity of stars at the position who can consistently stick and do the singular, high-pressure job they're tasked with on the gridiron. &nbsp;</p>
<p>EA Sports'<em> Madden 16 </em><a href="https://www.easports.com/madden-nfl/news/2015/madden-16-best-punters">revealed its top five punters</a> on Sunday. Leading the way is Indianapolis Colts first-team All-Pro Pat <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">McAfee</span></span></span></span>, whose prowess makes life difficult for adversaries who already have to deal with stud quarterback Andrew Luck and Indy's explosive passing game.</p>
<p>Below is a list of the top five punters and the notable attributes that make them elite in the eyes of <em>Madden </em>creators:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">McAfee</span></span></span></span>'s booming kickoffs also ensure the Colts' foes start drives on their own 20 more often than not. His knack for <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">touchbacks</span></span></span></span> justifies the high rating for kick power in<em> Madden 16</em>.</p>
<p>On Saturday, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">McAfee</span></span></span></span> spoke about his outlook for 2015.</p>
<p>"I looked in the mirror and said, 'Probably not a lot of punts for you this year, buddy,'" said <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">McAfee</span></span></span></span> about the Colts offense, per the <em>Indianapolis Star</em>'s <a href="https://twitter.com/HolderStephen/status/627565326658588672">Stephen Holder</a>.</p>
<p>The <em>Indianapolis Star</em>'s Zak Keefer alluded to how the team's aerial attack could improve even more this year with a revamped receiving corps:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Next up in the rankings is St. Louis Rams standout Johnny <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hekker</span></span></span></span>. He joined St. Louis the same year kicker Greg "Legatron" <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Zuerlein</span></span></span></span> arrived, and the two have formed a phenomenal pair for a team still seeking to break through to the playoffs under coach Jeff Fisher.</p>
<p>With <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hekker</span></span></span></span> continuing to pin opponents deep and <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Zuerlein</span></span></span></span> manufacturing points with long field goals most kickers can't convert, it's on Nick <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Foles</span></span></span></span> to give the Rams stability under center to take that next step.</p>
<p>At the dawn of training camp, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hekker</span></span></span></span> has his sights set on an ambitious goal for the coming season:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hekker</span></span></span></span> has proved capable of <a href="http://www.stlouisrams.com/videos/videos/Rams-Fake-Punt-Seals-Victory/6822ba3f-fd71-4f4e-ab2e-592730db9c97">helping out with his arm</a> on special teams trick plays in the past, hence his 64 throwing power and 65 short throwing accuracy in <em>Madden 16</em>.</p>
<p>Checking in at No. 3 in <em>Madden 16 </em>is Atlanta Falcons punter Matt <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Bosher</span></span></span></span>. Only <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Hekker</span></span></span></span> matches the 97 kick accuracy <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Bosher</span></span></span></span> boasts, and such precision is particularly useful when trying to finagle a punt inside the 20.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Bosher</span></span></span></span> is in line for another big year in 2015&mdash;and may not be leaned on quite as heavily. The Falcons have a new coach in Dan Quinn whose experience in Seattle figures to upgrade the defense. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has a zone-blocking scheme capable of fixing Atlanta's rushing woes too.</p>
<p>Rounding out the list are two other NFC punters in Thomas <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Morstead</span></span></span></span> of the New Orleans Saints and Sam Martin, the Detroit Lions' 2013 fifth-round pick.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Morstead</span></span></span></span>'s job is made easier thanks to a Saints offense that led the NFL in total yards in 2014. Martin helps position the elite Lions defense for success, though Detroit has to prove it can sustain its previous form without superstar defensive tackle <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Ndamukong</span></span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Suh</span></span></span></span>.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:02:21 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537646-madden-nfl-16-player-ratings-top-5-punters-revealed
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537646-madden-nfl-16-player-ratings-top-5-punters-revealedhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537646-madden-nfl-16-player-ratings-top-5-punters-revealedVideo GamesBreaking NewsUFC 190: A Case for No More TUF Fights on Pay-Per-View, EverMatthew Ryder<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Some people are quite fond of the modern direction of the UFC, where the product is omnipresent on the sports landscape thanks to regular appearances on FOX and its satellites. There is no offseason, no reset button and no reason to go without a UFC fix for more than a couple of weeks.</p>
<p>There are times that can be nice, like when <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Conor</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">McGregor</span></span> and T.J. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Dillashaw</span></span> put on remarkable shows in entirely different ways only a couple of weeks apart, as they did in July. There are also times that it is a total nightmare, as was the case at <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ufc-190">UFC 190</a>.</p>
<p>In the middle of the event, which was probably exceeding expectations after a spirited <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">strawweight</span></span> fight, a heavyweight knockout and a second, watchable heavyweight bout, the UFC saw fit to dump a pair of finals for <em>The Ultimate Fighter</em> right in the middle of the broadcast. A <em>regional</em> <em>The Ultimate Fighter</em>, at that.</p>
<p>No. Thank you.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>This was the product of a <a href="http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/TUF-Brazil-4-Finale-Moves-to-Florida-Gets-Lyoto-MachidaYoel-Romero-Headliner-86193" target="_blank">scheduling mishap</a>, where the original finale for <em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">TUF</span></span>: Brazil 4</em> was supposed to take place in Brazil, then in Florida, then <a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/6/18/8806803/ufc-ultimate-fighter-brazil-4-finale-visa-problems-possible-cancellations-mma-news" target="_blank">visa issues</a> scattered fights and fighters over a few different events. However, it&rsquo;s reasonable to suggest that, with more care paid to spreading itself too thin, the UFC could have avoided said mishap and avoided subjecting people to the low-level combat that broke up an otherwise passable event.</p>
<p>And before you rush to defend the overlords at <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Zuffa</span></span>, consider this: The prime argument of <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dana-white">Dana White</a> and his pals has long been&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/4/26/8499491/ufc-186-dana-white-doesnt-give-shit-fans-leave-main-event-mma-news" target="_blank">&ldquo;if you don&rsquo;t like it, don&rsquo;t watch it.&rdquo;</a> While that hot take is still sizzling, take a moment to realize that such action was not possible if someone were inclined to see the rest of the standard five-fight card they were making available. Pay-per-view is not a pay by the fight enterprise, so if you wanted stars like Nogueira, Shogun <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> and Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span>, you better believe you were getting <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Glaico</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Franca</span></span> and <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Dileno</span></span> Lopes.</p>
<p>Also ponder the notion that, if you were to break down the cost of a pay-per-view by fight, you spent roughly $17 to watch those <em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">TUF</span></span></em> fights that you <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">didn</span></span>&rsquo;t ask for. That&rsquo;s nearly two months of UFC Fight Pass, which offers <em>every fight in the history of the UFC</em>, down the drain on four guys you&rsquo;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">ve</span></span> never heard of and <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">didn</span></span>&rsquo;t want to see in the first place.</p>
<p>This is among the first times in history where &ldquo;card subject to change&rdquo; has resulted in an addition of multiple bouts, and those bouts actively detracted from the experience of an event. Besides taking away some of the momentum that had been built to that point, the <em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">TUF</span></span>: Brazil</em> finale fights also wreaked havoc on the pacing of the pay-per-view.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It was deep into the early morning before Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> took to the cage, and anyone arguing that people cared more for unknown bantamweights and lightweights than the sport&rsquo;s biggest star is simply delusional.</p>
<p>Now, there is a logical explanation for this beyond the scheduling concerns noted above. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Guilherme</span></span> Cruz mentioned on <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/2/9086177/ufc-190-post-fight-show" target="_blank"><em>MMA Fighting</em>&rsquo;s wrap-up show</a> that the UFC&rsquo;s television partner in Brazil, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Globo</span></span>, wanted the fights on UFC 190 to maximize exposure. That make enough sense, but was there truly no other way to make it work than to stick it to audiences everywhere else in the world? Many of whom paid straight cash for everything <em>but</em> those fights?</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>One of the greatest benefits of running shows nearly every week should be that a card bloated by uninteresting fights should never be forced on consumers who are shelling out cash for what is, theoretically, the best product the UFC can offer. These fights should have been somewhere else&mdash;anywhere else&mdash;because forcing substandard competition into the middle of the biggest stage is problematic for everyone involved.</p>
<p>This <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">isn</span></span>&rsquo;t even to say the fights themselves were horrible. The first had some excitement and the second ended with a submission, which is more than a lot of UFC fights offer. But most people who paid for the event would have been just as happy to read about them in a results post after they happened on FOX Sports 1 some other time.</p>
<p>If you don&rsquo;t like it, don&rsquo;t watch? Fine, sounds good. But at least give the option instead of dumping it in the middle of a pay event and shrugging.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/matthewjryder" target="_blank"><strong>Follow me on Twitter @<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">matthewjryder</span></span>!</strong></a></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537611-ufc-190-a-case-for-no-more-tuf-fights-on-pay-per-view-ever
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537611-ufc-190-a-case-for-no-more-tuf-fights-on-pay-per-view-everhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537611-ufc-190-a-case-for-no-more-tuf-fights-on-pay-per-view-everFightingMMADana WhiteUFCOpinionUFC 190Ronda RouseyRousey vs. Correia Results: Highlights and Reaction from UFC 190Steve Silverman<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">There is a common theme in all of <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ronda-rousey">Ronda <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></a>'s fights. Every time she steps into the Octagon, she does so with bad intentions and then ends matters quickly. Very quickly.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>That's what happened Saturday night against Bethe <span class="spellcheck">Correia</span> in Rio <span class="spellcheck">de</span> <span class="spellcheck">Janiero</span>. Angered by a perceived insult from the Brazilian that touched on her father's suicide, <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> launched a two-fisted attack and knocked <span class="spellcheck">Correia</span> out in 34 seconds.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ronda <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> said after her 1st round knockout victory over Bethe <span class="spellcheck">Correia</span>, "I hope no one brings up my family again." <a href="http://t.co/FJk2FgBNYL">pic.twitter.com/FJk2FgBNYL</a></p>
&mdash; SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/627714752723218432">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>Normally, <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> stops most of her opponents with an arm bar that leads to a direct submission, but <span class="spellcheck">Correia</span> was victimized by <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>'s striking ability.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span> tried to come out with a couple of early punches herself, but none of those blows hurt or deterred <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>. Once she got her opponent against the side of the cage, <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> launched a series of punches that found their mark and put the Brazilian down.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The fight was immediately stopped after <span class="spellcheck">Correia</span>'s eyes turned glassy and was clearly in no position to defend herself.</p>
<p>After the fight, <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> told the media she thought she regularly has an advantage over her opponents because they are unfamiliar with her style.</p>
<p>"One advantage I have over my opponents is that they don't really know what they are getting into until they come in there," <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVafaCyHMwg"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> said</a>&nbsp;(:57 mark). "They can watch as much footage as they want, but they don't really know what it's like to be in there with me."</p>
<p>Celebrities and athletes weighed in with praise and admiration for <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> after her latest victory, which raised her record to 12-0.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">34 seconds.. Simply Amazing <a href="https://twitter.com/RondaRousey">@<span class="spellcheck">RondaRousey</span></a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC190?src=hash">#UFC190</a></p>
&mdash; Sugar Ray Leonard (@SugarRayLeonard) <a href="https://twitter.com/SugarRayLeonard/status/627720906660409344">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ronda. <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>. You are bad.</p>
&mdash; Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexmorgan13/status/627714217953624064">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It is REALLY fun watching someone who is THAT dominant. Definitely worth staying up for. <a href="https://twitter.com/RondaRousey">@<span class="spellcheck">RondaRousey</span></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC190?src=hash">#UFC190</a></p>
&mdash; Aaron Rodgers (@AaronRodgers12) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers12/status/627713139765870593">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">can't believe I've paid $60 and waited until 1 a.m. for this...but <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> is a mega star...the very thing men's UFC is lacking...</p>
&mdash; Michael <span class="spellcheck">Wilbon</span> (@RealMikeWilbon) <a href="https://twitter.com/RealMikeWilbon/status/627709910151766016">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>There were several observers who made the case that <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>'s devastating style has taken over women's mixed martial arts fighting the way Mike Tyson took over heavyweight boxing when he was coming up in the sport in the 1980s. One of those people who concurs with that assessment is Tyson:&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mike Tyson on Ronda <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>: "I think of myself when I watch her." It's easy to see why. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC190?src=hash">#UFC190</a> <a href="http://t.co/o2Zgpn1eFh">pic.twitter.com/o2Zgpn1eFh</a></p>
&mdash; ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/627848883490570240">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>When <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> fights, she is not trying to gain a tactical advantage, build up points or earn a decision. She is out to beat her opponent up, knock her out and win decisively. That's the same way Tyson fought when he was making a name for himself or defending his title.</p>
<p>Both fighters are skilled in all aspects of their sport, including defense and ring generalship, but it is the full-scale aggressiveness that makes <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> so noteworthy and made Tyson such a dynamic champion.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">You can't square up with <a href="https://twitter.com/RondaRousey">@<span class="spellcheck">RondaRousey</span></a>!!!!!!!</p>
&mdash; <span class="spellcheck">Dont</span>&eacute; Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) <a href="https://twitter.com/DonteStallworth/status/627711927544881152">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No 1 <span class="spellcheck">knw</span> <span class="spellcheck">tht</span> <a href="https://twitter.com/RondaRousey">@<span class="spellcheck">RondaRousey</span></a> had 1 punch knock out power. Attack a man weakness to beat him attack his strength 2 break him! SHE BROKE HER <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc">@<span class="spellcheck">ufc</span></a></p>
&mdash; Michael Irvin (@michaelirvin88) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelirvin88/status/627718688653856768">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">DON'T PISS OF RONDA!!!!!! Wow!!</p>
&mdash; Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelstrahan/status/627711921609961473">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>
<p>It seems like it's only a matter of time before Hollywood comes calling, and <em>Denver Post</em> sports columnist Benjamin <span class="spellcheck">Hochman</span> nailed it when it comes to the actress who will play the starring role in "Rousey."&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prediction: Julia Stiles wins the best actress Oscar in 2018 for title role in <span class="spellcheck">ROUSEY</span>. <a href="http://t.co/yLl2RU5RSZ">pic.twitter.com/yLl2RU5RSZ</a></p>
&mdash; Benjamin <span class="spellcheck">Hochman</span> (@hochman) <a href="https://twitter.com/hochman/status/627855083636588545">August 2, 2015</a>
</blockquote>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 15:00:00 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537497-rousey-vs-correia-results-highlights-and-reaction-from-ufc-190
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537497-rousey-vs-correia-results-highlights-and-reaction-from-ufc-190http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537497-rousey-vs-correia-results-highlights-and-reaction-from-ufc-190MMAUFCGame RecapUFC 190: The Opportunity to Promote Rousey vs. 'Cyborg' Was MissedRaphael Garcia<p>UFC 190 was a major event that should be considered a success for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Ronda <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> further cemented her position as a great star for the sport and demolished another challenger to her throne.</p>
<p>However, the organization missed the boat in one key area. <span class="spellcheck">Cristiane</span> &lsquo;Cyborg&rsquo; Justino was in the crowd, but she was not brought in to stake her claim as the top contender to <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>&rsquo;s title. Setting up that moment would have created a huge opportunity in the future for both fighters and the UFC as a whole.</p>
<p>Justino is perhaps the last hurdle <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> must leap in order to call her mixed martial arts career &ldquo;complete.&rdquo; The former Strikeforce and current <span class="spellcheck">Invicta</span> champion has dominated all the competition that has been put in her way, much in the same way <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> has done during her climb to fame.</p>
<p>During said climb, <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> and Justino have been in each other&rsquo;s crosshairs for years. She was immediately brought up during the <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/2/9076161/ufc-190-post-fight-press-conference-video">post-fight press conference</a>, and both <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> and UFC President Dana White had to comment on the situation.</p>
<p>&ldquo;I prefer [to fight] who makes weight and <span class="spellcheck">doesn</span>&rsquo;t do drugs. The fight&rsquo;s there for Cyborg. She can make 145 pumped full of steroids; she can move down without them,&rdquo; <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> said. &ldquo;I&rsquo;m not going anywhere. I don&rsquo;t see why everyone acts like I have so much to prove when she has to prove she can actually fight legitimately.&rdquo;</p>
<p>White immediately followed up <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> with his own comments on the action.</p>
<p>&ldquo;She <span class="spellcheck">didn</span>&rsquo;t make the weight yet. The day she makes the weight and does what she&rsquo;s supposed to do, that fight is on,&rdquo; White said. &ldquo;You think I don&rsquo;t want that fight? Now I&rsquo;m changing my mind on that fight. I think that fight does 2.5 million [pay-per-view] buys. That fight is massive.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;Massive&rdquo; is the right word to use. <a href="http://jimrome.com/2015/05/20/dana-white-on-when-jon-jones-returns-to-ufc-he-comes-right-back-and-fights-for-the-title/">On an edition of the Jim Rome Show</a>, White mentioned he believed the fight would do a very large pay-per-view buy rate.</p>
<p>&ldquo;It&rsquo;s one of those fights that&rsquo;s very intriguing. When that fight happens, I guarantee that thing does over 2 million pay-per-view buys.&rdquo;</p>
<p>UFC 190 was a moment in which the organization should have brought Justino into the cage to have her face off against <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>. <span class="spellcheck">Conor</span> <span class="spellcheck">McGregor</span> took the moment into his own hands when he jumped over the cage after defeating Dennis <span class="spellcheck">Siver</span> to face off against featherweight champion, Jose Aldo.</p>
<p>That set the stage for the successful UFC 189 event, even though Aldo was not present on the card. Using a similar approach between these two women would have created an immediate hype around the event well beyond what is currently going on in the mixed martial arts world.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.foxsports.com/ufc/story/ufc-ronda-rousey-conor-mcgregor-jose-aldo-miesha-tate-dallas-cowboys-stadium-080215">Damon Martin of Fox Sports</a> is reporting that the UFC is interested in putting the third fight between <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> and <span class="spellcheck">Miesha</span> Tate on the card that features the <span class="spellcheck">McGregor-</span>Aldo matchup. While that would be a strong event if pulled off, the UFC should look at having Justino on that card instead of Tate. The groundwork for such a major fight should have kicked off at UFC 190. Mainstream and hardcore fans can only hope this bout happens while interest is still high.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:59:08 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537667-ufc-190-the-opportunity-to-promote-rousey-vs-cyborg-was-missed
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537667-ufc-190-the-opportunity-to-promote-rousey-vs-cyborg-was-missedhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537667-ufc-190-the-opportunity-to-promote-rousey-vs-cyborg-was-missedMMADana WhiteUFCOpinionUFC 190Ronda RouseyMiesha TateBarcelona Legend Xavi Scores Free-Kick on Debut for Qatar Club Al SaddSean Fay<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable"><span class="spellcheck">Xavi</span> may have moved from Barcelona to Qatar club&nbsp;Al <span class="spellcheck">Sadd</span>, but the genius still remains.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">The midfield maestro marked his debut on Sunday against&nbsp;Al <span class="spellcheck">Nassr</span> by scoring a sweet free-kick.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable"><span class="spellcheck">Xavi</span> left Barcelona this summer after a glittering career at the club.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">[<a href="https://twitter.com/Barzaboy/status/627898928864829441">Twitter</a>, h/t <a href="http://talksport.com/football/watch-barcelona-legend-xavi-scores-wonderful-free-kick-al-sadd-debut-150802161098"><span class="spellcheck">talkSPORT</span></a>]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:50:12 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537663-barcelona-legend-xavi-scores-free-kick-on-debut-for-qatar-club-al-sadd
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537663-barcelona-legend-xavi-scores-free-kick-on-debut-for-qatar-club-al-saddhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537663-barcelona-legend-xavi-scores-free-kick-on-debut-for-qatar-club-al-saddSoccerWorld FootballLa LigaFC BarcelonaBreaking NewsXavi HernandezAram MuradyanArtur DavtyanLevon PachajyanSerge DebléJoe Allen Injury: Updates on Liverpool Midfielder's Hamstring and ReturnJames Dudko<p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/liverpool">Liverpool</a> midfielder <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/joe-allen">Joe Allen</a> needs a scan to determine the extent of the hamstring injury he suffered in his side's <span class="spellcheck">pre</span>-season clash with <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/swindon-town"><span class="spellcheck">Swindon</span> Town</a>. &nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Kop</span> boss Brendan Rodgers suggested Allen's problem may be serious, per <a href="http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/189994-allen-to-have-scan-after-swindon-knock" target="_blank">Chris Shaw</a> of the club's official site:&nbsp;"I think Joe was his hamstring, unfortunately, so that doesn't look so good for us.&nbsp;But we'll see how that is tomorrow when he has a scan."</p>
<p>The Reds beat League One outfit <span class="spellcheck">Swindon</span> 2-1 at the County Ground, courtesy of goals from <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/christian-benteke">Christian <span class="spellcheck">Benteke</span></a> and young winger <span class="spellcheck">Sheyi</span> <span class="spellcheck">Ojo</span>.&nbsp;But the result was slightly overshadowed by Allen having to be withdrawn after just 13 minutes.</p>
<p>Rodgers will now hope the Wales international isn't sidelined for too long, even though he can call on the likes of new arrival James Milner, <span class="spellcheck">Emre</span> Can and Lucas <span class="spellcheck">Leiva</span> to take his place.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:49:34 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537658-joe-allen-injury-updates-on-liverpool-midfielders-hamstring-and-return
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537658-joe-allen-injury-updates-on-liverpool-midfielders-hamstring-and-returnhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537658-joe-allen-injury-updates-on-liverpool-midfielders-hamstring-and-returnSoccerWorld FootballPremier LeagueLiverpoolBreaking NewsJoe AllenStunt Rider Robbie Maddison Defies Logic, Rides a Wave with a Dirt BikeKyle Newport<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">Dirt bikes and oceans.</p><p class="ui-droppable">Those are two things that just don't go together&mdash;unless you are stunt rider&nbsp;Robbie Maddison.</p><p class="ui-droppable">In the video above, Maddison shows that he has the ability to defy logic and do the unthinkable. He rode a wave on a dirt bike.</p><p class="ui-droppable">How is that possible? No, really,&nbsp;<em>how is that possible?</em></p><p class="ui-droppable">[<a href="https://twitter.com/ohholybutt/status/627875480520122369" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, h/t <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/8/2/9086723/insane-stunt-rider-rides-motorcycle-on-a-wave" target="_blank">SB Nation</a>]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:46:10 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537660-stunt-rider-robbie-maddison-defies-logic-rides-a-wave-with-a-dirt-bike
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537660-stunt-rider-robbie-maddison-defies-logic-rides-a-wave-with-a-dirt-bikehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537660-stunt-rider-robbie-maddison-defies-logic-rides-a-wave-with-a-dirt-bikeMotorsportsBreaking NewsRichie Incognito Named Starting LG for Bills: Latest Comments, ReactionMatt Fitzgerald<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The Buffalo Bills gave <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/richie-incognito">Richie Incognito</a> a chance to resume his <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/nfl">NFL</a> career, and he's fully capitalized on the situation in securing a starting spot at left guard. &nbsp;</p>
<p>Bills head coach <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/rex-ryan">Rex Ryan</a> announced Sunday that Incognito would start along with Cordy Glenn at left tackle, as reported by WKBW's <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBuscaglia/status/627878871321329664">Joe Buscaglia</a>.</p>
<p>"Out there thumping again, that was a lot of fun. Out there with your buddies, beating people up. That's what I like to do," said Incognito following Sunday's practice, per ESPN's <a href="https://twitter.com/mikerodak">Mike Rodak</a>.</p>
<p>Incognito didn't play football in 2014 after an ugly end to his tenure with the Miami Dolphins. The team indefinitely <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9924206/miami-dolphins-suspend-richie-incognito-indefinitely-connection-jonathan-martin-incident">suspended</a> Incognito for his alleged role in the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2013/11/07/richie-incognito-jonathan-martin-bullying-miami-dolphins/3466755/">bullying scandal</a> surrounding ex-teammate Jonathan Martin, who recently <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/625740010109698048">retired</a>.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>A new lease on NFL life has evidently treated Incognito well. This has to be his last chance to stick on a roster, and Buffalo has opted to trust Incognito can hold his own even after being away from the game for a full season.</p>
<p>WBBZ-TV's Bradley Gelber believes the high-profile trade for running back LeSean McCoy and the <a href="http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13356229/charges-dropped-buffalo-bills-coach-aaron-kromer">legal issue</a> involving assistant coach Aaron Kromer helped Incognito quietly acclimate to his latest team:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The Bills will get a tenacious run-blocker in Incognito who can get under opponents' skin. He should help pave the way for McCoy and fit well with Ryan's penchant for a ground-and-pound offensive philosophy.</p>
<p>It's important for Buffalo to have a stellar offensive line that can work together, establish chemistry and be in the best condition possible for whoever takes over under center. A three-way competition between Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor and <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ej-manuel">EJ Manuel</a> leaves an otherwise seemingly playoff-ready team unsettled at the quarterback position.</p>
<p>While the announcement of Incognito as a starter is notable given his troubled past and rapid recovery from a one-year layoff, Ryan's starting QB of choice will be the declaration fans pay most attention to.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:34:47 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537634-richie-incognito-named-starting-lg-for-bills-latest-comments-reaction
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537634-richie-incognito-named-starting-lg-for-bills-latest-comments-reactionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537634-richie-incognito-named-starting-lg-for-bills-latest-comments-reactionNFLAFC EastBreaking NewsRichie IncognitoUFC 190 Results: Five Fights for Demian Maia Raphael Garcia<p><span class="spellcheck">Demian</span> Maia put on a Brazilian jiu-jitsu clinic for two rounds before he submitted Neil <span class="spellcheck">Magny</span> during their <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ufc-190">UFC 190</a> bout. The 37-year old fighter used his skill set to stifle every attempt at offense from his younger competitor.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.ufc.com/rankings">Maia is slotted in the No. 6 position</a> within the welterweight division, and this dominating win opens up some interesting bouts for him in the future.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537645-ufc-190-results-five-fights-for-demian-maia">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:23:47 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537645-ufc-190-results-five-fights-for-demian-maia
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537645-ufc-190-results-five-fights-for-demian-maiahttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537645-ufc-190-results-five-fights-for-demian-maiaMMAUFCOpinionUFC 190Tom Daley at World Aquatics Championships 2015: Results, Scores from SundayTom Sunderland<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">British favourite Tom Daley clinched a bronze medal at the World Aquatics Championships on Sunday, finishing third in the men's 10-metre platform final to round off a successful weekend in Kazan, Russia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Daley had already given Britain much to be happy about after securing the team's place in the individual 10-metre platform event at Rio 2016 just by qualifying for Sunday's climactic showdown.</p>
<p>A final dive attempt saw Daley score 537.95 in total&nbsp;to finish among the World Aquatics Championships' top three in this event for the first time since winning the gold in 2009.</p>
<p>Here are the overall results from Sunday's 10-metre platform final:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The 21-year-old was engaged in a fierce head-to-head with Mexico's Ivan Garcia for the third podium place, while China's Qiu Bo sealed his spot as world champion and David Boudia of the United States&nbsp;claimed the silver medal.</p>
<p>Daley needed more than a 95.20 in order to go ahead of Garcia lining up for his penultimate dive, but the judges would desire a last-gasp rush for the podium, handing the Briton that exact score.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Garcia faltered just enough in his final dive to give Daley a bit of breathing room, to which the youngster swiftly responded with a spotless last attempt to open up daylight between himself and fourth place.</p>
<p>The official British Swimming Twitter account confirmed Daley's victory, while fellow diver Jack Laugher was also behind his Team GB diving-mate:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It rounds off a particularly pleasant weekend for Daley, who won gold in the team event alongside Rebecca Gallantree, adding his second individual medal at the World Aquatics Championships.</p>
<p>Speaking to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/diving/33747073" target="_blank">BBC Sport's Nick Hope</a> of the burden this weekend's success takes off his shoulders, Daley said:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>It's actually a massive relief.&nbsp;</span>Winning with Becky in the team event gave me a bit of confidence, but it wouldn't have meant anything if I hadn't finished in the top 12 today.&nbsp;I've just got to have fun because that's what I remember having in 2009.&nbsp;I wasn't thinking about any of the pressures and just went out there and enjoyed it, so hopefully I can do that again.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Strong form early on in Sunday's Kazan encounter meant the pressure on Daley wasn't as great coming to the final dives.</p>
<p>As confirmed by Hope, Daley was on course for the bronze with two dive attempts left, showing just how well he was able to contend with his peers:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The British figure will hope Sunday's display can provide a springboard moving toward Rio 2016, where he's likely to once again be one of the major faces of Team GB.</p>
<p>At this stage in his career, Daley stands as one of the elite diving circuit's more experienced members, keeping his cool under pressure to bring a World Championship medal back to British shores.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:11:03 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537511-tom-daley-at-world-aquatics-championships-2015-results-scores-from-sunday
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537511-tom-daley-at-world-aquatics-championships-2015-results-scores-from-sundayhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537511-tom-daley-at-world-aquatics-championships-2015-results-scores-from-sundaySwimmingBreaking NewsOlympicsSwimming (Olympic)Cristiano Ronaldo Says He 'Doesn't Give a F---' About FIFA During InterviewSean Fay<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Corruption at <span class="spellcheck">FIFA</span> has been hot topic throughout football this year&mdash;just don't ask <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> about it.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">The <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/real-madrid">Real Madrid</a> star was clearly agitated when asked to give his opinion about <span class="spellcheck">FIFA</span> and Qatar by CNN <span class="spellcheck">Espanol</span>.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Ronaldo said: "I don&rsquo;t care about <span style="background-color: #ffff00;">FIFA&nbsp;</span>and Qatar. I don&rsquo;t give a f---. Speaking about <span class="spellcheck">FIFA</span>, come on," before storming out of the interview.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">[<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exlgEooW5R8"><span class="spellcheck">YouTube</span></a>, h/t <a href="http://www.101greatgoals.com/top-stories/fifa-i-dont-give-a-f-cristiano-ronaldo-storms-out-of-interview-again-video/">101 Great Goals</a>]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:10:33 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537637-cristiano-ronaldo-says-he-doesnt-give-a-f-about-fifa-during-interview
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537637-cristiano-ronaldo-says-he-doesnt-give-a-f-about-fifa-during-interviewhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537637-cristiano-ronaldo-says-he-doesnt-give-a-f-about-fifa-during-interviewSoccerWorld FootballLa LigaReal MadridCristiano RonaldoBreaking NewsJose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger Comment on Lack of Post-Match HandshakeJames Dudko<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Jose Mourinho suggested <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/arsene-wenger">Arsene Wenger</a> deliberately avoided shaking his hand after Arsenal beat Chelsea 1-0 to win the FA Community Shield. As manager of the losing team, Mourinho stood waiting for every Arsenal player after they had collected the trophy. But though he claims he waited for it, Wenger never came his way, per <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2015/08/02/14101462/wenger-snubbed-me-with-post-match-handshake-insists-mourinho?utm_source=dlvr.it&amp;utm_medium=twitter">Goal.com</a>'s Liam Twomey:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>[At the final whistle]&nbsp;I was doing what the status of my club and my status as a manager what I have to do: wait for the winners in a way where you only miss me when you want to miss me, and every Arsenal player came in my direction which was the easiest thing to do because I was right there.</span><br><br><span>If other people didn&rsquo;t come in my direction it&rsquo;s not a story.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p><span>Those comments read like a pretty thinly veiled attack on the Gunners boss. Mourinho also chided Arsenal's defensive-minded performance at Wembley, claiming Wenger's men left their "philosophy in the dressing room," per <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/9932887/chelsea-boss-jose-mourinho-has-dig-at-arsenal-after-community-shield">Sky Sports</a>.</span></p>
<p><span>Wenger's response was to applaud his team's will to win, according to <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/9932882/arsene-wenger-denies-jose-mourinho-claims-after-wembley-win">another Sky Sports report</a>:&nbsp;<span>"I don't think that's giving up your philosophy. We wanted to win, we behaved&nbsp;like that. I'm quite proud of that."</span></span></p>
<p>No matter what he thought of his team's performance, Wenger did appear to avoid any chance of shaking hands with perhaps his fiercest rival, according to BBC Sport's David Ornstein:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Of course, many would claim he is well within his rights to spurn Mourinho after the Stamford Bridge chief's lengthy history of saying less than flattering things about the Frenchman.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>That history, which has included famous and acid-tongued snipes such as "voyeur" and "specialist in failure," per Twomey, has left Wenger feeling disrespected:&nbsp;<span>"I believe in a job where you have to respect everybody. It&rsquo;s difficult job but it&rsquo;s vital."</span></p>
<p><span>Twomey also noted how Wenger stressed he'd shook hands with some after the game but insisted there's "nothing special" in this story.</span></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span>Whether you agree with Wenger's assessment or not will largely depend on your view of Mourinho's actions. Some will no doubt view his now frequent ritual of shaking hands with every member of the opposition (bar the mascot) when he loses a match as classy sportsmanship.</span></p>
<p><span>Others may see it as a cringe-worthy attempt to stay in the spotlight even in defeat. By making it an issue post-match, Mourinho has certainly succeeded in deflecting some attention away from the fact that Chelsea were far from impressive at Wembley. &nbsp;</span></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:00:59 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537610-jose-mourinho-arsene-wenger-comment-on-lack-of-post-match-handshake
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537610-jose-mourinho-arsene-wenger-comment-on-lack-of-post-match-handshakehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537610-jose-mourinho-arsene-wenger-comment-on-lack-of-post-match-handshakeWorld FootballArsene WengerJose MourinhoBreaking NewsUFC 190 Results: Full List of Winners, Losers and Fight StatsAlex Ballentine<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">The buildup to <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ufc-190">UFC 190</a> was all about Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span>, but there were a few more fighters who used the opportunity to make a big statement and gain some momentum.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With a lot of Brazil's elder statesmen on the card, there were those who reminded the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/mma">MMA</a> world they're still a live dog. Then there were those (looking at you Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira) who showed they might need to start taking up a retirement hobby.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here's a look at the complete results along with some of the more significant fights from the card in Rio <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">de</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Janeiro</span></span></span>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>UFC 190 Results</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>UFC 190 Main Card</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span> def. Bethe <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span></span>, knockout (Round 1, 0:34)</li>
<li>Mauricio <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span></span> def. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</li>
<li>
<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Glaico</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Franca</span></span></span> def. Fernando Bruno, submission (Round 3, 4:46)</li>
<li>
<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Reginaldo</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Vieira</span></span></span> def. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Dileno</span></span></span> Lopes, unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)</li>
<li>Stefan <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span></span> def. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</li>
<li>Antonio Silva def. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Soa</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Palelei</span></span></span>, TKO (Round 2, 0:41)</li>
<li>Claudia <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span></span></span> def. Jessica Aguilar, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</li>
</ul><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Prelims on Fox Sports 1</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Demian</span></span></span> Maia def. Neil <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span></span>, submission (Round 2, 2:52)</li>
<li>Patrick <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cummins</span></span></span> def. Rafael <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cavalcante</span></span></span>, TKO (Round 3, 0:45)</li>
<li>
<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Warlley</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Alves</span></span></span> def.&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Nordine</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Taleb</span></span></span>, submission (Round 2, 4:11)</li>
<li>
<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Iuri</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Alcantara</span></span></span> def. Leandro <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Issa</span></span></span>, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)</li>
</ul><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Prelims on UFC Fight Pass</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>
<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Vitor</span></span></span> Miranda def. Clint Hester, TKO (Round 2, 2:38)</li>
<li>Guido <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cannetti</span></span></span> def. Hugo <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Viana</span></span></span>, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</li>
</ul><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">UFC 190 Highlights</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Demian</span></span></span> Maia Puts on Grappling Clinic Against Neil <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span></span></strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>One of the most relevant fights to go down on the UFC 190 card actually closed out the prelims. <a href="http://www.ufc.com/rankings" target="_blank">No. 6-ranked</a>&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Demian</span></span></span> Maia put on a grappling exhibition against No. 13 Neil <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span></span>.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span></span> has looked promising recently. He came into Rio on a seven-fight win streak that included finishes in his last three bouts. But the one thing that has plagued him throughout his run in the UFC has been grappling.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As Maia proved, it's an area he still hasn't taken the next step in. Michael Carroll of <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FightMetric</span></span></span> broke down just how dominant the jiu-jitsu whizz was on the ground:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>According to <a href="http://fightmetric.com/fight-details/17daeb7e36e60cdf" target="_blank"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FightMetric</span></span></span></a>, Maia went a perfect 2-of-2 on <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">takedown</span></span></span> attempts, scoring one in each round. The relentless ground attack left <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span></span> entirely helpless as he managed to throw only four significant strikes and landed none.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span></span> still has the opportunity to evolve. He isn't the first to be submitted by Maia and he probably won't be the last. However, this will need to be a wake-up call.</p>
<p>For Maia, this is his third victory in a row. A step up in competition might be warranted.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Antonio Silva Shows He's Not Done Yet</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>You'd be excused if you'd written off Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva for dead. A loser by knockout in three of his last four bouts heading into his UFC 190 fight, it looked like the 35-year-old didn't have the chin to pick up another win in the power-heavy 265-pound division.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That notion was wrong.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Soa</span></span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Palelei</span></span></span> had his moments in the first round. He secured a <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">takedown</span></span></span> and landed ground-and-pound punches. According to <a href="http://fightmetric.com/fight-details/8baa6b8850262595" target="_blank"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FightMetric</span></span></span></a>, he opened up an 18-4 advantage in the significant-strikes category. But in the end, this fight was about Silva's ability to take some damage, rally and utilize his power to score a knockout.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Jason Floyd of the MMA Report tweeted out final stats from the bout:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Silva was able to score a knockout win for the first time since he finished Alistair Overeem in February 2013. A win over <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Palelei</span></span></span> isn't necessarily an emphatic return to heavyweight prominence, but it does mean the rumors of Silva's demise as a top-tier heavyweight may have been a bit premature.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span> Wastes No Time Defending Belt</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The most impressive stat of the night was 34: That's how many seconds it took Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span> to let Bethe <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span></span> know that she would be taking the belt back to the United States with her when she left Rio.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As ESPN Stats &amp; Info noted, quick finishes have become <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span>'s calling card of late. There are simply few women in the division who can handle the pressure that comes with fighting the champion for more than a minute.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The scary thing about <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span>'s win this time around was that it didn't even follow the usual pattern. Yes, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span></span> was able to get a clinch at will, but she legitimately earned this knockout in the stand-up department.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That's a scary development for the rest of the division. A division for which she sounded a warning, per Ariel <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Helwani</span></span></span> of MMA Fighting:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>After beating down yet another top-10 opponent, that's some advice anyone in the division probably wants to heed moving forward.&nbsp;</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 14:00:00 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537304-ufc-190-results-full-list-of-winners-losers-and-fight-stats
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537304-ufc-190-results-full-list-of-winners-losers-and-fight-statshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537304-ufc-190-results-full-list-of-winners-losers-and-fight-statsFightingMMAUFCOpinionUFC 190Ashes 2015: Changes Australia Should Consider Making to Their Middle OrderAlex Telfer<p>Two and a half days is a long time in Test cricket and Australia, so upbeat and positive after winning comprehensively at Lord's, are now under huge pressure thanks to their&nbsp;<a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/the-ashes-2015/engine/match/743967.html">crushing defeat at <span class="spellcheck">Edgbaston</span></a>.</p>
<p>While the Baggy Green's top three batsmen seem safe, the men currently in possession of the No. 4, 5 and 6 berths will be nervously glancing over their shoulders as the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cricket/33742723">clamour for changes</a> grows.</p>
<p>What's more, one of them is Michael Clarke, the captain and a man who averages nearly 50 every time he bats in Test cricket! Surely the Aussies Baggy Greens won't axe their skipper, will they?</p>
<p>With the fourth Test at Trent Bridge approaching rapidly, let's take a closer look at what the problem is and&nbsp;the five main options Darren Lehmann and his selectors have, ranked in ascending order of them actually happening.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2536836-ashes-2015-changes-australia-should-consider-making-to-their-middle-order">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:49:37 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2536836-ashes-2015-changes-australia-should-consider-making-to-their-middle-order
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2536836-ashes-2015-changes-australia-should-consider-making-to-their-middle-orderhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2536836-ashes-2015-changes-australia-should-consider-making-to-their-middle-orderCricketRankings/ListICCAustralia CricketThe AshesUFC 190: The Stage Is Set for Claudia Gadelha Versus Joanna JedrzejczykRaphael Garcia<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ufc-190">UFC 190</a> was a show built on the star power of one Ronda <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span>. She was the main attraction for fans in Brazil and watching around the world. However, the opening bout of the main card set the stage for what could be the coming out party for the next big star in the <span>women&rsquo;s&nbsp;</span>organization.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Claudia <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> earned what will be her second fight against current <span class="spellcheck">strawweight</span> champion Joanna <span class="spellcheck">Jedrzejczyk</span>. If this contest is as interesting as their first, the UFC will be on the cusp of their second breakout women&rsquo;s star.</p>
<p>For 15 minutes <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> dominated Jessica Aguilar as the former World Series of Fighting <span class="spellcheck">strawweight</span> champion made her Octagon debut. <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> showed an improved striking and <span class="spellcheck">takedown</span> game that earned her some interesting comments throughout major <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/mma">MMA</a> media outlets.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The first time <span class="spellcheck">Jedrzejczyk</span> and <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> fought, it was a highly controversial bout that the current champion was able to take via split decision. It was a back-and-forth battle in which <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> was able to have continued success with her <span class="spellcheck">takedowns</span> while hanging tough with her striking through three rounds of action.</p>
<p>UFC President <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dana-white">Dana White</a> confirmed Sunday the Brazilian is next in line for a shot at the belt during the <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/8/2/9076161/ufc-190-post-fight-press-conference-video">post-fight press conference</a>.</p>
<p>What is important about this fight is that the UFC can properly build it as an opportunity to develop a new star within the women&rsquo;s division. <span class="spellcheck">Jedrzejczyk</span> is grabbing attention for her displays of violence in the cage. Examples of the way she battered both Carla <span class="spellcheck">Esparza</span> and Jessica <span class="spellcheck">Penne</span> were two fights in which she was not in danger at any point but badly hurt her opponents. <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> is the only individual who has put the Polish fighter in danger.</p>
<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no denying that her and Joanna are the baddest women at 115 pounds, and that fight will be very good to see again,&rdquo; White said during the media conference.</p>
<p>The UFC should take this fight and place it on a card that will draw a lot of attention. Instead of putting them on a Fight Pass event as the main event, the promotion should slot them as a co-main event with an established champion before 2015 is over.</p>
<p>For example, Chris <span class="spellcheck">Weidman</span> and Luke <span class="spellcheck">Rockhold</span> are set to face off in a battle for the middleweight title; however, the date has not been scheduled. <a href="http://mmafrenzy.com/122150/ufcs-dana-white-confirms-chris-weidman-luke-rockhold-planned-end-2015/">MMA Frenzy's Kelsey <span class="spellcheck">Mowatt</span> reported</a> that White tweeted a confirmation that the <span class="spellcheck">Weidman</span>/Rockhold bout would come in December.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Weidman</span> has been used as a main event the UFC&rsquo;s year-end card in the past. Also, the UFC 168 co-main event featured <span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span> and <span class="spellcheck">Miesha</span> Tate, which was an exciting bout that evening. Perhaps the organization can use that co-main event as an attempt to promote another major women&rsquo;s rivalry with the rematch between <span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> and <span class="spellcheck">Jedrzejczyk</span>.</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span> did her part in setting up the next major conflict in women&rsquo;s mixed martial arts. The rematch between her and <span class="spellcheck">Jedrzejczyk</span> is going to be well anticipated by hardcore fans and the mixed martial arts media base alike. With the proper promotion, the UFC can build both of these individuals into the next stars of MMA.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:42:01 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537612-ufc-190-the-state-is-set-for-claudia-gadelha-versus-joanna-jedrzejczyk
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537612-ufc-190-the-state-is-set-for-claudia-gadelha-versus-joanna-jedrzejczykhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537612-ufc-190-the-state-is-set-for-claudia-gadelha-versus-joanna-jedrzejczykMMAOpinionUFC 190Women's British Open 2015: Final LPGA Leaderboard Scores, Prize Money PayoutsTom Sunderland<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif">World No. 1 Inbee Park rose above the competition to clinch her first Women's British Open title on Sunday, recording an incredible seven-under 65 to complete a career Grand Slam.</p>
<p>Park enjoyed a bogey-free back nine in the fourth round of the contest to leapfrog compatriot Jin-Young Ko, defeating her by a clear three-shot margin in the end.</p>
<p>As a result, Park becomes just the seventh player in the history of women's golf to win four different majors, per ESPN Stats &amp; Info, and has the opportunity to complete her set at the Evian Championship next month:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>Here's how the standings looked among the top 10 finishers after the fourth round of the Women's British Open on Sunday:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p>It finished as a triumphant day for South Korean golfers in particular at Trump Turnberry, with So Yeon Ryu finishing strongly to join countrywomen Park and Ko in the top three.</p>
<p>However, none were as rampant as the victor, with Park displaying the same unforgiving talents that have put her atop the world rankings for the past two years. The Golf Channel's Justin Ray put her dominance into further context:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>Despite the overall strong nature of her Round 4 display, it started off in shaky manner for Park, who birdied the second and third holes, only to cancel out those exploits with bogeys on the fourth and fifth.&nbsp;They proved to be the final slip-ups of her Sunday outing, though, as Park used the seventh as a springboard to sink four consecutive birdies and begin her surge anew.</p>
<p>The 27-year-old was one of only 10 players to manage a spotless back nine on Sunday, failing to make a single bogey&mdash;an incredible achievement considering more than 70 participants were in action.</p>
<p>And despite all her successes, Park chronicled this win as the most important of her career, according to ESPN's Jason Sobel:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>Ko was in decent shape to maintain her own charge at the Women's British Open crown, matching Park at three under on the front nine, but a calamitous couple of errors led to her downfall later on.</p>
<p>First came a costly bogey on the 13th, but Ko's crushing collapse was set in stone at the 16th, where she shot two over the par four to fall out of reach of Park. The Golf Channel's Randall Mell detailed her desperate position on the 18th:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"></p>
<p>Coming from within fingertips of the Women's British Open title to falling so far off the pace, Ko's day ended in bitter disappointment. Having said that, the 20-year-old gave an incredible account of her ability in what was her first real experience of a links course.</p>
<p>For now, South Korea has its reigning champion in the form of Park, but the next generation of talent could be led by Ko, quickly making moves as her nation's rising star.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:39:03 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537510-womens-british-open-2015-final-lpga-leaderboard-scores-prize-money-payouts
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537510-womens-british-open-2015-final-lpga-leaderboard-scores-prize-money-payoutshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537510-womens-british-open-2015-final-lpga-leaderboard-scores-prize-money-payoutsGolfWomen's GolfGame RecapSwindon vs. Liverpool: Score and Reaction from 2015 Pre-Season FriendlyJames Dudko<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/liverpool">Liverpool</a> beat <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/swindon-town">Swindon Town</a> 2-1 in a pre-season friendly at the County Ground to continue preparations for the new Premier League season. Goals from <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/christian-benteke">Christian Benteke</a> and Sheyi Ojo won it for the Reds after Jonathan Obika had found an equaliser for Town.</p>
<p>Benteke's wonder goal gave Liverpool fans ample reasons to cheer just after half-time. He hit a stunning volley to light up what had been a drab game.</p>
<p>Indeed, the only notable incident of the first half was Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen hobbling off inside the first 15 minutes. Still, Liverpool just about edged the overall general play, as the Reds' litany of playmakers kept the ball and manufactured chances.</p>
<p>But despite Lazar Markovic&nbsp;and big-money summer signing Roberto Firmino pulling the strings, it still took some genuine individual brilliance from Benteke and some late luck from Ojo to bail the Premier League side out.</p>
<p>Brendan Rodgers gave starts to new boys Benteke and Firmino in attack, per Squawka Football's official Twitter feed:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Swindon actually started Liverpool's on-loan goalkeeper, Lawrence Vigouroux. Perhaps more notably, Anton Rodgers, son&nbsp;of Reds manager Brendan, took a seat on the Swindon bench.</p>
<p>Liverpool stumbled through the first half, although Benteke did see a few chances come his way. But the beefy Belgian couldn't take them.</p>
<p><em>Liverpool Echo</em> writer Ian Doyle detailed one such miss:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Doyle also noted how fellow high-priced import&nbsp;Firmino was making a solid early impression:&nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>The Brazilian's creativity was certainly causing Swindon problems. But for the most part, Vigouroux was up to the challenge.</p>
<p>His efforts even produced a bizarrely comical moment for the player competing against his parent club, per Squawka Football:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Liverpool's early momentum was stunted by Allen's early injury. He was replaced before a quarter of an&nbsp;hour had elapsed by Joao Carlos Teixeira.</p>
<p>The Reds stayed quiet for most of the first 45 minutes. Firmino,&nbsp;Markovic and Emre Can&nbsp;produced slick passing combinations but couldn't consistently unlock Town's back four.</p>
<p>Things changed quickly in the second half when Benteke rifled a quality volley into the top corner. 101 Great Goals tweeted this Vine of the memorable strike:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Doyle was impressed by the former Villa man's technique:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Benteke thought he'd doubled his advantage and Liverpool's tally moments later. But the linesman's flag correctly ruled the goal out.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Reds soon rued the decision when Swindon found an equaliser. Striker&nbsp;Obika hit a curler to draw the League One side level.</p>
<p>Rodgers' response to the goal was to haul off Benteke and Firmino among a trio of changes made with the start of Premier League action in mind. This Is Anfield tweeted the moves:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Frankly, things seemed destined for a draw until one of those substitutes got lucky. Winger&nbsp;Ojo's shot ended up nestling in the back of the net after a goalkeeping blunder spoiled Vigouroux's previously solid day.</p>
<p>Doyle described the litany of errors that gifted Liverpool the winner:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>After the game, Rodgers. like many others, was naturally keen to talk about Benteke's fantastic strike:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>He also provided a worrying update on Allen's status:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>But the Kop boss was left suitably impressed by Firmino, a player he'll be counting on to make a quick transition to the Premier League and have a major impact in the new season:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Liverpool start their league campaign with a tricky-looking away trip to <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/stoke-city">Stoke City</a>. It was the site of the humiliating 6-1 thumping that ended the Reds' last campaign.</p>
<p>The Potters have since bolstered talent thanks to the arrival of ex-Barcelona midfielder Ibrahim Afellay. They'll provide a stern test.</p>
<p>But at least Rodgers can be impressed by what he saw from Benteke and Firmino. The big summer recruits looked sharp throughout this game.</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:14:48 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537467-swindon-vs-liverpool-score-and-reaction-from-2015-pre-season-friendly
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537467-swindon-vs-liverpool-score-and-reaction-from-2015-pre-season-friendlyhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537467-swindon-vs-liverpool-score-and-reaction-from-2015-pre-season-friendlySoccerWorld FootballPremier LeagueLiverpoolGame RecapBrowns Players Win Contest, Get Rewarded with Digital Camouflage JerseysKyle Newport<img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">The Cleveland Browns unveiled <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2430814-cleveland-browns-unveil-new-uniforms-for-2015-season">new uniforms</a> earlier this year, but that bold new look has nothing on the jerseys that some of the players get to wear in practice.</p><p class="ui-droppable">As a result of winning a daily competition at training camp, Browns defensive players were rewarded with special digital camouflage jerseys:</p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable">Let's take a look at the uniforms in action:</p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif"><p class="ui-droppable"><br></p><p class="ui-droppable"><br></p><p class="ui-droppable"><br></p><p class="ui-droppable">These guys won't be hiding from anyone.</p><p class="ui-droppable">[Twitter]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:12:07 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537587-browns-players-win-contest-get-rewarded-with-digital-camouflage-jerseys
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537587-browns-players-win-contest-get-rewarded-with-digital-camouflage-jerseyshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537587-browns-players-win-contest-get-rewarded-with-digital-camouflage-jerseysNFLBreaking NewsZimbabwe vs. New Zealand: Winners and Losers from 1st ODIRob Lancaster<p>Zimbabwe recorded their first one-day victory in 10 completed matches with an impressive seven-wicket triumph over New Zealand on Sunday.</p>
<p>The hosts chased down a target of 304 to win with an over to spare at the&nbsp;Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.</p>
<p>An under-strength New Zealand played the game as Aotearoa&mdash;a move they made to celebrate&nbsp;Maori Language Week, per <a href="http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-new-zealand-2015/content/story/903551.html">ESPN <span class="spellcheck">Cricinfo</span></a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The two teams next meet on Tuesday in Harare, with the final fixture in the three-match series then taking place on Friday at the same venue.</p>
<p>Before then, however, here are the winners and losers from the opening <span class="spellcheck">ODI</span>.</p><p><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537438-zimbabwe-vs-new-zealand-winners-and-losers-from-1st-odi">Begin Slideshow</a></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:06:27 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537438-zimbabwe-vs-new-zealand-winners-and-losers-from-1st-odi
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537438-zimbabwe-vs-new-zealand-winners-and-losers-from-1st-odihttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537438-zimbabwe-vs-new-zealand-winners-and-losers-from-1st-odiCricketRankings/ListPaul Lawrie Match Play 2015: Final Scores, Bracket, Prize Money Payouts and MoreTom Sunderland<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt="">Kiradech Aphibarnrat was crowned the inaugural Paul Lawrie Match Play champion on Sunday after defeating Robert Karlsson in the competition's final.</p>
<p>Aphibarnrat won on three of the first six holes to take a resounding lead early on in Aberdeen, Scotland, but the Thai native had to withstand a late assault by his foe to triumph by just a single hole.<strong><br></strong></p>
<p>Meanwhile, David Howell took third spot after beating playoff opponent Marc Warren by one hole, settling a fiercely contended matchup thanks to his birdie on the 17th.</p>
<p>Aphibarnrat's victory nets him a &euro;171,000 share of the tournament's &euro;1 million purse, with the top four finishers and their winnings detailed below:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>A blustery day in Scotland looked as though it would sweep the winds of fortune in favour of Aphibarnrat from the beginning, with Karlsson bogeying three of the first six holes, which his opponent proceeded to birdie.</p>
<p>Three up after eight holes and it looked as though the 26-year-old was on for his second big win of the year following success at the Shenzhen International. Punters Lounge <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/golf">Golf</a> showed what Sunday's meeting meant to him:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>However, the eighth brought about a change in the match's dynamic, with Aphibarnrat sinking his first bogey of the match, allowing Karlsson to get back on the board and take the first of back-to-back points.</p>
<p>Regardless, even with his cushion reduced to a single point, Aphibarnrat proceeded to chase down the course with heaving drives off the tee, including a 380-yard effort on the 11th, per the official European Tour Twitter account:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It was that very kind of intent that paid dividends for the Thailand representative, as he bounced back to winning ways on the 11th hole, birdieing to go back in front by a margin of two points.</p>
<p>If matters looked dim for Karlsson at that point, things only got worse on the 14th after Aphibarnrat reopened his three-shot lead thanks to a six-foot putt miss from the Swede.</p>
<p>The greatest drama was to come, though, and Karlsson saved his best tricks for last to seal three points in succession on the 15th through 17th holes, showing some sensationally astute approach play all the while.</p>
<p>STV presenter Tyrone Smith was left in awe of the showdown after a 10-foot putt saw Karlsson tie the scores with just one hole remaining:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Aphibarnrat brought a level head back right when it mattered, and after swinging his tee shot right on the 18th, he recovered from the rough to come with metres of the pin.</p>
<p>In a bid to avoid the dangers of the 18th, Karlsson also swung his drive wide right and showed impressive skills to come so close to the pin himself, but a badly judged putt sealed his demise.</p>
<p>That missed opportunity from 10 feet awarded Aphibarnrat an opportunity one can't afford to give in Match Play golf, and his opponent promptly pounced upon it to win his third European Tour event.</p>
<p>Just a single hole separated the pair in the end following a climactic finish at Murcar Golf Links, with Aphibarnrat starting out, and ultimately finishing, as the stronger of the two. &nbsp;</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:01:39 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537509-paul-lawrie-match-play-2015-final-scores-bracket-prize-money-payouts-and-more
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537509-paul-lawrie-match-play-2015-final-scores-bracket-prize-money-payouts-and-morehttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537509-paul-lawrie-match-play-2015-final-scores-bracket-prize-money-payouts-and-moreGolfGame RecapRousey vs Cyborg: Considering the Stakes, It's Hard to Separate Fact and FictionMatthew Ryder<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ronda-rousey">Ronda Rousey</a> just torched another overmatched challenger in a matter of seconds. This time it was Bethe Correia,&nbsp;who found her face on <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ufc-190">UFC 190</a> posters opposite the undisputed ruler of female combat sports in the modern era.</p>
<p>When they met face-to-face in real life, it was much more violent than a photoshopped pose and some modestly patriotic colors. It was a half-minute or so of frenetic swinging that ended with&nbsp;Correia&nbsp;planted facedown on the canvas.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>And so it began again, the <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537416-dana-white-rousey-vs-cyborg-does-25-million-buys-but-cyborg-must-make-weight" target="_blank">talk of a fight</a> between Rousey and longtime 145-pound women&rsquo;s stalwart Cristiane "Cyborg" Justino, the only viable competitive option in a world where no woman who fights as a bantamweight has any hope against the UFC champion.</p>
<p>Justino is a born killer, ferociously stacking bodies in her wake with blazing power shots and a ruthlessness that would be delightful to behold if it wasn&rsquo;t so unfortunate for her opponents. Similar to Rousey, a Cyborg fight is more of an execution than an athletic contest, but Cyborg tends to end fights more seismically, landing shots that make you cringe for how savage they are in both intent and result.</p>
<p>For those interested in seeing&nbsp;Rousey&nbsp;take a step up in competition, Cyborg is the fight they want to see. Everyone knows Rousey is the best in the UFC because she&rsquo;s proven it repeatedly, and the division she&rsquo;s fighting in has consistently proven to be light-years behind her. But is she the best there is, period?</p>
<p>That&rsquo;s a point of contention for anyone who has followed the trajectory of these two women as they&rsquo;ve rocketed to the top of women&rsquo;s <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/mma">MMA</a>.</p>
<p>In a <a href="http://www.axs.tv/sports/cris-cyborgs-harsh-words-for-ronda/">statement released to AXS TV</a>, Justino argued that she can&rsquo;t get to 135 pounds for a fight with Rousey due to medical concerns, but those concerns are undermined somewhat by the fact she was <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2012/01/06/cris-cyborg-suspended-for-positive-steroid-test" target="_blank">busted for steroid use</a>&nbsp;in 2011. She&rsquo;s offered the fight at featherweight, her natural class where she holds the Invicta FC title, and <a href="http://www.mmafighting.com/2015/5/2/8534049/cristiane-cyborg-justino-makes-a-plea-to-fight-ronda-rousey-at-140" target="_blank">at 140 pounds</a>, which would be a logical compromise for the two.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>For her part, Rousey <a href="http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Rousey-Not-Changing-Stance-on-Cyborg-I-Prefer-Who-Makes-Weight-Doesnt-Do-Drugs-90091" target="_blank">continues to insist</a> on 135 pounds as the weight to engage and has&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mmaweekly.com/ronda-rousey-says-cris-cyborg-should-be-charged-with-attempted-homicide" target="_blank">lobbed wild insults</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://mmajunkie.com/2015/05/ronda-rousey-on-cyborg-im-not-going-to-do-backflips-for-a-cheating-con-artist" target="_blank">blunt accusations</a> of continued steroid abuse, despite Justino&rsquo;s otherwise clean record both before and after her 2011 test.</p>
<p>Backed up by her bosses at the UFC, who are either&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/8/2/9086633/ufc-190-dana-white-rousey-cyborg-will-happen-whenever-cyborg-is-ready-mma-news" target="_blank">staunchly in support</a> of her or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-srGrHsZ2t0" target="_blank">uncomfortably lauding</a> her at any given time, there is a growing sentiment that the fight is ready to go if Cyborg can drop the extra 10 pounds.</p>
<p>It&rsquo;s a weird situation, because the biggest women&rsquo;s fight&mdash;one of the biggest fights in general&mdash;MMA has ever seen is right there on the table, and everyone involved can get rich from it. But a few pounds and some ego is preventing it.</p>
<p>There&rsquo;s also the degree of control that the UFC has over the narrative of the situation, which is enormous, considering they essentially run the sport itself at this point, coloring the perception of fans and media.</p>
<p>The promotion gets to use Justino as a stepping stone for Rousey without the two ever having to fight, subtly painting her as being disinterested or too scared to cut the extra few pounds for her chance at the UFC&rsquo;s golden child.</p>
<p>Their influence is so broad that, while Justino <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akkGlCq58TU" target="_blank">may respond</a> to a small media outlet in Brazil or to an MMA website that few people visit, it simply gets drowned out by the dozens of major outlets <a href="http://nesn.com/2015/08/ronda-rousey-ill-fight-cris-cyborg-justino-if-she-stops-steroids-makes-weight/" target="_blank">running stories</a> along the lines of "Rousey&nbsp;Tells Steroid Cheat Cyborg It's 135 or Nothing&rdquo; to get their traffic up.</p>
<p>This, of course, occurs with total ignorance to the fact that Rousey has fought at 145 pounds multiple times and was the best female American judoka in Olympic history <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judo_at_the_2008_Summer_Olympics_%E2%80%93_Women%27s_70_kg#Medalists" target="_blank">at an even higher weight class</a>.</p>
<p>It ignores the fact that Justino walks around at <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2381989-cris-cyborg-weight-up-to-175-pounds-three-days-after-weigh-ins" target="_blank">175 pounds of lean muscle</a> and is an utterly hulking specimen, even when she hits the featherweight mark. It ignores that fact that both sides are openly agreeing to the fight, and some negotiation on weight would replace all this talk with action.</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>It&rsquo;s one of the strangest fights to ever not quite happen for the UFC, and given the sheer volume of influence they have and the amount of banter among parties involved it&rsquo;s harder than ever to know what&rsquo;s true and what isn&rsquo;t.</p>
<p>From the outside, in its simplest form, it appears that the two fighters have agreed to fight, and they&rsquo;ve found a promoter willing to promote it. But the fight isn&rsquo;t happening, and there&rsquo;s a whole bunch of bluster being produced as to why that is.</p>
<p>Can Cyborg not get to bantamweight because she's still using steroids?</p>
<p>Is Rousey&nbsp;so obsessed with leaving the sport undefeated that she's afraid to put it on the line against the only woman who might be her equal?</p>
<p>Is <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dana-white">Dana White</a> afraid that his headline-grabbing golden goose would be less appealing to the masses with a loss on her record?</p>
<p>Is it some combination of these notions or others that&rsquo;s keeping the fight from happening?</p>
<p>Nobody actually knows because only the fighters and the promotion are in a position to confirm anything, and it&rsquo;s hard to distinguish truth from lies given the stakes.</p>
<p>How much is true and how much isn&rsquo;t almost doesn&rsquo;t matter, though. It&rsquo;s time to get the fight done, because there are only so many more times people are going to pay $60 to watch a sneeze-and-you-miss-it main event between an Olympian and <a href="http://www.ozy.com/provocateurs/bethe-correia-the-undefeated-dark-horse/61188" target="_blank">an accounting student</a>&nbsp;that's immediately followed by questions like, &ldquo;When is the Cyborg fight going to happen?&rdquo;</p>
<p>Make the fight happen. How you get there and who gets to spin the narrative on the way to it should be the least of everyone&rsquo;s worries.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><a href="https://twitter.com/matthewjryder" target="_blank">Follow me on Twitter @matthewjryder.<br></a></em></p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:00:01 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537574-rousey-vs-cyborg-considering-the-stakes-its-hard-to-separate-fact-and-fiction
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537574-rousey-vs-cyborg-considering-the-stakes-its-hard-to-separate-fact-and-fictionhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537574-rousey-vs-cyborg-considering-the-stakes-its-hard-to-separate-fact-and-fictionFightingMMAUFCOpinionUFC 190Ronda RouseyUFC 190: Results and Winners for Rousey vs. Correia and Top FightsAlex Ballentine<p class="ui-droppable"><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/ufc-190">UFC 190</a> was headlined by a familiar sight: Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> having the women's bantamweight championship belt put around her after another <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">beatdown</span></span> that took less than a minute. This time, the opponent was Bethe <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span>, but that's ultimately inconsequential.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The point is that fans were treated to another jaw-dropping display from the sport's most dominant champion.&nbsp;</p>
<p>That wasn't all, though. The Brazilian-heavy card featured a few important heavyweight <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">matchups</span></span> as well as a rematch 10 years in the making. Here's a look at the complete results with a closer look at the biggest fights from Saturday night.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>UFC 190 Results</strong></span>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>UFC 190 Main Card</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> def. Bethe <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span>, knockout (Round 1, 0:34)</em></li>
<li><em>Mauricio <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> def. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</em></li>
<li><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Glaico</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Franca</span></span> def. Fernando Bruno, submission (Round 3, 4:46)</em></li>
<li><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Reginaldo</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Vieira</span></span> def. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Dileno</span></span> Lopes, unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)</em></li>
<li><em>Stefan <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span> def. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</em></li>
<li><em>Antonio Silva def. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Soa</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Palelei</span></span>, TKO (Round 2, 0:41)</em></li>
<li><em>Claudia <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Gadelha</span></span> def. Jessica Aguilar, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)</em></li>
</ul><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Prelims on Fox Sports 1</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Demian</span></span> Maia def. Neil <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Magny</span></span>, submission (Round 2, 2:52)</em></li>
<li><em>Patrick <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cummins</span></span> def. Rafael <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cavalcante</span></span>, TKO (Round 3, 0:45)</em></li>
<li><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Warlley</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Alves</span></span> def.&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Nordine</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Taleb</span></span>, submission (Round 2, 4:11)</em></li>
<li><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Iuri</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Alcantara</span></span> def. Leandro <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Issa</span></span>, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-27)</em></li>
</ul><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Prelims on UFC Fight Pass</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Vitor</span></span> Miranda def. Clint Hester, TKO (Round 2, 2:38)</em></li>
<li><em>Guido <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cannetti</span></span> def. Hugo <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Viana</span></span>, unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)</em></li>
</ul><p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">UFC 190 Highlights</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Stefan <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span> Takes Decision over Big <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Nog</span></span></strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Coming into UFC 190, Stefan <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span> hadn't won a fight in the Octagon since a 2012 TKO victory over <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Stipe</span></span> <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Miocic</span></span>. Much of that can be chalked up to a run of health issues for the 27-year-old. However, he also lost the only two fights he had in that span to Mark Hunt and Alistair Overeem.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On Saturday, he took a big step toward getting back on the right track.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span> wasn't able to finish the fight, but his striking looked as polished as it's been in the Octagon. According to <a href="http://www.fightmetric.com/fight-details/b0367c907cc549c0"><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">FightMetric</span></span></a>, the Dutch fighter opened up a 93-59 advantage in significant strikes while defending against 13 of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira's 14 <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">takedown</span></span> attempts.&nbsp;</p>
<p>To make the result even more impressive, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span> wasn't exactly 100 percent healthy. Ariel <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Helwani</span></span> of MMA Fighting reported that he&nbsp;had to fight through sickness on fight night:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Obviously, a win over Big <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Nog</span></span> doesn't mean what it used to. The loss was his third consecutive and fourth in his last five fights. At 39 years old, the best option for his long-term health might be dedicating himself to coaching and walking away from competing as a fighter.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, the win is still enough to keep <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Struve</span></span> relevant in the shallow heavyweight division. He&nbsp;entered the night <a href="http://www.ufc.com/rankings" target="_blank">ranked 15th</a> in the heavyweight division but now has some upward mobility if he can prove he can remain healthy.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Shogun <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> Gets Back in the Win Column</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>Before&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> got to do her thing in the main event, Mauricio "Shogun"&nbsp;<span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> got back to his winning ways against Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. The two ran back their instant classic from their Pride days in 2005, and the result was exactly the same, yet different.&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was the same in the truest sense. Shogun <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> had his hand raised via unanimous decision. However, this edition of the fight featured a much longer feeling-out process, more grappling from <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> and a lot more wondering about retirement.&nbsp;</p>
<p>With back-to-back losses for Lil' <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Nog</span></span>, it's unclear how much more he has to offer in the Octagon.&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, there's still a possibility that Shogun can parlay this victory into another run to relevance. He recently reunited with trainer Rafael <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cordeiro</span></span>. Analysts like Connor <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Ruebusch</span></span> of Bloody Elbow attributed <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span>'s improvement to that move:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cordeiro</span></span> has had incredible success as a trainer recently. He elevated Fabricio Werdum and Rafael dos <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Anjos</span></span> from consistent contenders to champions. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rua</span></span> doesn't appear to have enough to run all the way back to the title, but it's possible that <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cordeiro</span></span> is extending his&nbsp;career in ways he couldn't have done on his own. &nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> Does It Yet Again</strong></p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>When "Rowdy" Ronda <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span>&nbsp;hangs up her gloves for good, she's going to be remembered for the way she dispatched of the top fighters in her class with effortless ease. Her fight against Bethe <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span> will definitely be mentioned as part of that legacy.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> didn't even have to administer her trademark <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">armbar</span></span> to get the early finish in this one. She brutalized the previously undefeated <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span> and still ended her challenger's night in just 34 seconds.&nbsp;</p>
<p><em>SportsCenter</em> highlighted <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span>'s ability to finish fights in brutally quick fashion:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>At this point, it's not really about the opponent. <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Correia</span></span> was just the next name who hadn't yet lost to <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span>. It's simply about how dominant one champion can be.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">superfight</span></span> against <span><span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Cristiane</span></span> "</span>Cyborg" Justino is about the only matchup where the opponent could genuinely create interest. According to MMA Fighting, UFC President <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/dana-white">Dana White</a> said it's a matchup that depends on Cyborg proving she can make the weight:</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p>If that ever happens, <span class="spellcheck"><span class="spellcheck">Rousey</span></span> will finally get to show what she can do against someone who may possess similar strength and athleticism.</p>
<p>Until then, fans can continue to tune in to see what absolute dominance looks like.&nbsp;</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 13:00:00 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537361-ufc-190-results-and-winners-for-rousey-vs-correia-and-top-fights
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537361-ufc-190-results-and-winners-for-rousey-vs-correia-and-top-fightshttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537361-ufc-190-results-and-winners-for-rousey-vs-correia-and-top-fightsFightingMMAUFCOpinionUFC 190Everton Fans Give Wayne Rooney Standing Ovation as He Wears Blue AgainSean Fay<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable"><a href="http://bleacherreport.com/wayne-rooney">Wayne Rooney</a> wore an <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/everton"><span class="spellcheck">Everton</span></a> shirt again on Sunday while making an appearance during Duncan Ferguson's testimonial.&nbsp;</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Rooney left <span class="spellcheck">Goodison</span> Park for <a href="http://bleacherreport.com/manchester-united">Manchester United</a>&nbsp;under controversial circumstances back in 2004, but <span class="spellcheck">Evertonians</span> clearly appreciated his return for Ferguson's big day.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""><img class="slot" src="/images/pixel.gif" alt=""></p>
<p class="ui-droppable">Despite the cameo, Rooney could not prevent the Toffees' 2-1 defeat at the hands of Villarreal.</p>
<p class="ui-droppable">[<a href="https://twitter.com/Everton">Twitter: @<span class="spellcheck">Everton</span></a>]</p>Sun, 02 Aug 2015 12:51:39 -0400http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537580-everton-fans-give-wayne-rooney-standing-ovation-as-he-wears-blue-again
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537580-everton-fans-give-wayne-rooney-standing-ovation-as-he-wears-blue-againhttp://bleacherreport.com/articles/2537580-everton-fans-give-wayne-rooney-standing-ovation-as-he-wears-blue-againSoccerWorld FootballPremier LeagueEvertonWayne RooneyBreaking News